No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 227

Byron strode up with a grin. “You’re staying here too? If I’d known, we could’ve come over together.”

Eleanor and Joel exchanged a quick smile before heading to the front desk to check in. It was late, and everyone was exhausted, eager to get to their rooms and rest.

The next morning, at half past seven, Eleanor and Joel had arranged to meet at the hotel’s breakfast room. She was still wearing Joel’s grey plaid jacket over a white T-shirt and jeans. At first glance, she looked so young—like she’d just graduated from college.

Ian and Byron’s group had already arrived. Ian watched as Eleanor picked over the breakfast options, his gaze lingering for a few seconds, lost in thought.

“Mr. Goodwin, care to go over and chat with Miss Sutton?” Byron asked quietly.

Ian shook his head. “No need.”

Eleanor and Joel chose a table together, while Ian and the others sat at a large round table nearby. Ian sipped his coffee, his eyes drifting to Eleanor’s profile, a trace of distraction in his expression.

The way Eleanor looked today stirred up memories from eight years ago—she hadn’t changed much at all.

As she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, Eleanor could feel someone’s gaze on her, intense enough to make her uneasy. She didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was.

She almost laughed. This man had been cold and distant before and after their marriage—so now that they were divorced, she’d suddenly become attractive to him?

After breakfast, everyone headed to a nearby research institute for a conference. Each seat had a nameplate, and tonight’s attendees were among the top minds in their fields—no wonder everyone took it so seriously.

Eleanor and Joel sat together, with Byron and Ian in the front rows.

The meeting began.

Academic conferences weren’t known for flashy openings—just a steady stream of brainstorming and discussion. While speakers presented on stage, people in the audience quietly exchanged ideas, which was both accepted and encouraged.

After the afternoon session, everyone returned to the hotel for a break. Since dinner wasn’t provided, Eleanor and Joel decided to head downtown to find something to eat.

Eleanor was also eager to explore the city a bit, and Joel was happy to keep her company.

They didn’t return until around nine. The car pulled up to the hotel entrance, and Joel got out first, gallantly carrying several shopping bags. As Eleanor followed, closing the car door behind her, she noticed someone standing by the hotel entrance.

Ian.

He stood beneath the warm glow of the spotlight, a cigarette between his fingers, the shadows accentuating the sharp lines of his face, his expression weighed down by whatever was on his mind. He watched them, his gaze unreadable.

Joel didn’t greet him this time. Instead, he turned to Eleanor with a gentle nudge. “Let’s go inside—it’s windy out here.”